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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli argue against a prince being overly generous?
(a) To support his generosity, the prince must tax his subjects heavily.
(b) His generosity includes being able to pay his military high wages.
(c) By being generous the people love him excessively.
(d) By being generous, he avoids beeing seen as a miser.

2. What does Machiavelli see as an insurmountable chasm?
(a) The difference between the very rich and the very poor.
(b) Idealism and Christian philosophy of living.
(c) The reality of the way we live versus the ideas of how we ought to live.
(d) The understanding of the people versus the understanding of the prince.

3. What can a new prince be assured of?
(a) That there will be a time of stability in the early days.
(b) That he will automatically have the loyalty of his subjects.
(c) That he will be watched closely.
(d) That no one expects him to do anything unusual.

4. What is a constant threat to any prince?
(a) Invasion.
(b) Assassination.
(c) Loss of income.
(d) Unpopularity.

5. How does Machiavelli say that the great military leaders of history were so successful?
(a) By studying the arts.
(b) By finding new ways to avoid war.
(c) By relying on hired soldiers from other countries.
(d) By imitating the great men before them.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Machiavelli's ultimate example of the correct use of cruelty?

2. What is more effective than honesty in a prince?

3. Machiavelli's political thought is influenced greatly by the ideas of what?

4. How is a prince ultimately judged?

5. Which statement is true according to Machiavelli?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Machiavelli say a prince should be like a fox and a lion?

2. Explain Machiavelli's famous statement that is is better to be feared than loved.

3. Detail how Machiavelli says Italian princes lose their dominions.

4. Why does Machiavelli caution against disarming the people of a conquered principality?

5. Explain how Machiavelli sees the weakness of using auxiliary forces as a military for a princedom.

6. How does Machiavelli disagree with those who believe everything is controlled by God and Fortune.

7. Describe the two main reasons that a prince may be secure one day and lose his dominion the next.

8. Why does Machiavelli say that war is the only art expected of a prince?

9. Outline Machiavelli's position of honesty in a prince.

10. How can a prince gain a reputation for great accomplishments and generosity without bringing about his own ruin?

(see the answer keys)

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